As with other drugs, Finacea (azelaic acid) can cause side effects, such as dryness, itching, or burning. If you are not able to tolerate side effects of Finacea, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Finacea (azelaic acid) is a brand-name drug, available as a gel and foam topical treatment, that’s prescribed for mild to moderate rosacea in adults. The side effects you experience may vary depending on the form of Finacea you use.

If you have problems with side effects from Finacea, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can discuss ways to manage side effects or other available treatment options. Do not stop using Finacea without consulting your doctor first.

Finacea can cause certain side effects, some of which are more common than others. These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

These are just a few of the more common side effects reported by people who used Finacea in clinical trials:

  • itchy skin
  • skin dryness or scaling
  • skin redness or other color changes, or irritation
  • burning, stinging, or tingling skin

For more information about some of these side effects, see the “Side effects specifics” section.

Mild side effects can occur with Finacea use. This list doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug. For more information, you can refer to Finacea’s prescribing information.

Mild side effects that have been reported with Finacea include:

  • acne breakouts
  • increased hair growth
  • itchy skin
  • skin dryness or scaling
  • skin redness or other color changes, or irritation
  • swelling
  • burning, stinging, or tingling skin

These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. Sharing your experience helps make medications safer for everyone by giving doctors and researchers more information about how the drug works in real life. If you develop a side effect while using Finacea and want to tell the FDA about it, visit MedWatch or call 800-FDA-1088.

For more information about some of these side effects, see the “Side effects specifics” section.

Finacea may cause serious side effects. The list below may not include all possible serious side effects of the drug. For more information, you can refer to Finacea’s prescribing information.

If you develop serious side effects while using Finacea, call your doctor right away. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.

Serious side effects that have been reported and their symptoms include:

  • hypopigmentation, which may include symptoms such as:
    • patches of skin that are lighter than usual
    • patches of skin that totally lack color
  • eye and mucous membrane irritation
  • severe burning, stinging, or tingling skin

For more information about some of these side effects, see the “Side effects specifics” section.

ALLERGIC REACTION

For some people, Finacea can cause an allergic reaction.

In general, symptoms of an allergic reaction can be mild or serious.

Ways to manage

For mild allergic reaction symptoms, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may recommend treatments to help manage your symptoms. They’ll also let you know whether you should keep using the medication.

For severe allergic reaction symptoms, such as swelling or difficulty breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms require immediate medical care because they can become life threatening. If you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to Finacea, your doctor may recommend a different medication instead.

Finacea may cause several side effects. Here are some frequently asked questions about the drug’s side effects and their answers.

How do the side effects of Finacea gel compare to Finacea foam?

The side effects of Finacea gel and Finacea foam are very similar. They can both cause skin burning, stinging, irritation, itchiness, dryness, or scaling. The serious side effects of the gel and the foam are the same, as well. However, there are some differences.

The prescribing information for Finacea gel includes reports of the following side effects:

  • acne breakouts
  • increased hair growth
  • swelling

These side effects aren’t listed for Finacea foam.

To learn more about how these two forms of Finacea compare, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Does Finacea cause long-term side effects?

It’s unlikely. Long-term side effects weren’t reported in clinical trials of Finacea.

Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you’re concerned about possible long-term side effects from Finacea.

Learn more about some of the side effects that Finacea may cause. To find out how often side effects occurred in clinical trials, see the prescribing information for Finacea.

Eye and mucous membrane irritation

Eye and mucous membrane irritation have been reported in clinical trials of Finacea. Mucous membranes are the moist linings of the mouth, nose, and other body openings. Finacea can cause irritation and inflammation if it comes in contact with these linings.

What you can do

Due to the risk of mucous membrane irritation, avoid letting Finacea come in contact with your eyes, mouth, or inside of the nose. If you get Finacea in your eyes, rinse your eyes with large amounts of water. If eye irritation persists or becomes severe, call your doctor or get medical care.

Burning, stinging, or tingling skin

Burning, stinging, or tingling skin was the most common side effect reported in clinical trials of Finacea. This side effect is usually mild but can be severe in some cases. These sensations tend to occur right after applying Finacea.

The burning, stinging, or tingling skin reported with Finacea tends to occur in the first few weeks of use. It usually improves with time but can become severe or persist in some people.

What you can do

Mild burning, stinging, or tingling skin with Finacea treatment may improve with time and continued use. For severe or long-lasting burning, stinging, or tingling skin, stop using Finacea and talk with your doctor. They may recommend a different rosacea treatment.

Below is important information you should consider before using Finacea.

Other precautions

Before using Finacea, discuss your health history with your doctor. Finacea may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors affecting your health. Be sure to talk with your doctor if any of the following apply to you:

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.